Everton's summer transfer plans dealt a huge blow

Everton manager Roberto Martinez had been hoping to keep Gerard Deulofeu for at least one more season but that seems unlikely now.

Everton fans couldn't have wished for a better transition from David Moyes to Roberto Martinez this season. It could have taken a couple of years for Martinez to stamp his mark on the club, but he has already managed that with his exciting style of play.

Martinez also gave youngsters a chance and Everton were very unfortunate to miss out on a Champions League place eventually. The sale of Fellaini could have knocked the club back but instead it moved them forward. It allowed Martinez to bring in a host of players who had great seasons. Gareth Barry, James McCarthy and Romelu Lukaku were standout performers and Gerard Deulofeu on loan from Barcelona also caught the eye.

The 20-year-old winger played 25 times for The Toffees this season scoring three goals and creating three more. He was often used as an impact player coming off the bench but it was clear for all to see that this boy has potential. Martinez had been hoping to keep him on loan for another season if not possibly sign him permanently.

Just last month it was reported in The Metro that Deulofeu had agreed another loan deal at Goodison Park. It was thought the deal had been agreed in principle. Initially following Barcelona's transfer ban it was believed that the majority of their loan players would have to return to the club. However that ban has now been lifted and they look set to splash some cash in the summer. That would leave Deulofeu with only a small chance of pushing for a place in the first eleven.

However it has now emerged that Deulofeu will still try and break into the Barca team in the coming season. Speaking to RAC 1 the youngster said "I would like to return to Barca and this is my first option. Now I have had a year on loan at Everton I am waiting to be told something. Nobody has said anything to me."

It seems like he is ready to return to his parent club, but with the situation regarding their manager unclear it remains to be seen what the club has planned for Deulefou. Gerardo Martino could leave at the end of the season and that could make things complicated.

Josh McLoughlin

Josh is a 21-year-old aspiring Football journalist based in Preston/Manchester and a huge Preston North End fan. His own blog aloadofballs1.wordpress.com takes a look at many Football issues from across the world and has attracted views from all over the world, from Nepal to Peru.